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The county's courtroom-conduct sheet for self-represented family-law litigants: clean, modest clothing (no shorts, t-shirts, work-out clothes, sandals, sunglasses or hats), phones and tablets off, no food, drink or gum, speak clearly and verbally (no nodding), never interrupt, address the judge as Your Honor and others as Mr., Mrs. or Ms., and do not bring children to court.
Guidance for self-represented litigants appearing in family law cases in the Webb County district courts and county courts at law, posted on the county's Self-Represented Litigants – Family Law page; unsigned and undated. Procedural information only; not legal advice.
WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO BEHAVE IN COURT. 1. Clothing: There is no need to purchase new clothes to appear in court. However, everything you wear should be clean. Men should wear pants and a shirt with a collar. If you have them available, a suit jacket or tie always look good. Women should wear a dress, skirt or pants that are not too tight, too short, or low cut. Never wear shorts, t-shirts, clothing with obscenity on it, work-out clothes, sandals, sunglasses, a hat or excessive make-up or jewelry to court. 2. Phones: All mobile phones, pagers and tablets will be turned off while in court. 3. Food & Drink: No Food. No Drinks. No Chewing Gum. 4. Talking: All persons are expected to act their very best in the courtroom. When speaking in court, speak clearly, politely, and loud enough to be heard by the Judge and the court reporter. All responses must be verbal, no nodding or shaking of the head. Never interrupt anyone, especially the Judge. When addressing the Judge, refer to him or her as "Your Honor". If the Judge asks you a question, always begin or end your answer with "Sir," "Ma'am," or "Your Honor". When addressing or referring to anyone else, refer to him or her as "Mr.," "Mrs.," or "Ms." 5. Family: Although you may want the support of your family or friends, you generally should not bring children to court. Children are often not permitted in court because they can be distracting to you, the Judge, and other parties in the courtroom.
WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO BEHAVE IN COURT. 1. Clothing: There is no need to purchase new clothes to appear in court. However, everything you wear should be clean. Men should wear pants and a shirt with a collar. If you have them available, a suit jacket or tie always look good. Women should wear a dress, skirt or pants that are not too tight, too short, or low cut. Never wear shorts, t-shirts, clothin
Reviewer note: Composed 2026-09-07 from BenchPath's own-site custody copy (one page, text layer read in full). No signer or date on the instrument, so no court or judge join and no effective date; published under the self-represented-litigants doctrine as county guidance that governs litigant conduct in court.
In justice-court eviction cases: the citation sets a personal-appearance trial day not less than 10 nor more than 21 days after the petition is filed; a written answer is permitted but NOT required (appearing on the trial day is what matters); no trial may be held until 4 days after service; and an appeal must be perfected within 5 days after the judgment is signed.
Policy Regarding Pro Se Applicants — Harris County Probate Courts (Probate Court No. 1 posting) — posted on the court's own website — the court-procedure tier (standing procedures, policies, and preferences the court itself publishes), distinct from the TOPICs-registered local-rules tier (TRCP 3a registration applies to local rules). Operative requirements quoted verbatim; the posted document is the controlling text.